With less than eight months until the primary election, Louisiana Republicans are facing an uphill climb to defeat incumbent Governor John Bel Edwards.

As every campaign operative knows only too well, “money is the mother’s milk of politics.” In recent years, it has become ever more expensive to run an effective statewide race. The upcoming Governor’s race may be the costliest race in Louisiana political history. To compete, a serious candidate will need to spend $5 million at a minimum.

With that figure as a starting point, only two gubernatorial candidates are currently serious contenders in the upcoming race. Governor Edwards reported a very impressive $8.4 million campaign war chest at the end of the year. In terms of cash on hand, his nearest competitor is almost $3 million behind as Republican businessman Eddie Rispone reported $5.5 million in his campaign account in the same period.

It is now official; Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is running for re-election. He released a video yesterday confirming the worst kept secret in Louisiana. It has been clear from the beginning of his first term that Edwards was running for re-election.

In his video, Edwards outlined his so-called accomplishments, but neglected to remind voters that he is a Democrat. Ironically, he is trying to have it both ways, pursuing liberal policies while masquerading as a conservative.

Now that the season of eggnog and fireworks have passed, that Election season is almost official begun, that the Democrats control half of the lawmaking up in DC capitol, it seems like everybody wants to get in a word or two, or three. Email is obviously the still the best way to communicate with the media, hoping the letter sent, gets circulated as expected. Yes, email is, at least for now, the PR megaphone of choice..

Earlier this week, Kennedy took a pass on running for the state’s top job, disheartening some hoping to dump Edwards. Today, Abraham, after saying for months he gave serious consideration to taking on Edwards, made the plunge.

Exit stage left, US Senator John Kennedy in his bid to be the next Louisiana Governor.

Despite being in a strong position to capture the Governor's mansion, today In a press release, Kennedy stated he won’t run for governor, despite currently leading the current governor in a one on one poll by Bernie Pinsonat over Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards. Kennedy led Edwards in that poll by four points, 49-45 percent. Kennedy had a favorable rating of 61% whereas Edwards rated 60%.

Kennedy is the junior US Senator but has made a strong impact on the cable news circuits due in part to his southern folksy quips.